Driving into #vanlife, one mile at a time

Who could have guessed that living in a van could be so hip?

Driven by glossy Instagram posts, classic wanderlust and a modern wish for simple living, those turning to the #vanlife are rolling on the global highways, backroads and everywhere in between. But these aren’t the utilitarian models used by our contractor friends, nor the musty vans of yesteryear — rather, these are tiny homes on wheels, complete with beds, kitchens, storage and more.

USA Today caught up with some of the people embracing this nomad lifestyle, and found a lot of overlapping motivations. The vansters were all relatively young, as in below 40, had a love for the outdoors and craved freedom they felt they’d lost working a 9-5 at a desk — presumably one not in a van. They do still work though, relying on the Internet to stay connected with digital job opportunities.

Other writers have also waxed poetic on the virtues of the van, which has apparently also found a cult following on the other side of the pond. British van-dwellers might shell out £14,000 — about $18,000 — to kit their starter van into a proper tiny home and, like their fellow travelers in the states, tend to rely on remote income and a thirst for adventure.

Some folks are less accepting of the trend, or even see it as a grim sign of the times. Apparently some 21,000 Brits applied to their local governments to officially convert their vans into homes, a move at least one political columnist interpreted as less-romantic, more-economically-desperate.

Economics aside, the appeal of the van seems to be undeniable for now. Gone are the days when Chris Farley warned youths away from the perils of living in a van down by the river. For all we know, Chris could have been leading the charge into modern vandom were he still with us, though we like to think he’d have held principle on this one.

Wherever you find yourself on the road of #vanlife, we’re always here for those looking to give their home a good wash! Come see us at 16665 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Portland. And remember — if you take care of the van, the van will take care of you!